TOP 10 PICKLEBALL COURTS IN JOHOR BAHRU

Catering to both seasoned players and beginners, Pickle Champs offers everything you need for a great game - 13 fully indoor pickleball courts, a mini pro shop and modern shower room. It is No. 1 on my list because of the tournament grade surface, generous space and fencing between courts, giant ventilation coolers and video mounted brackets. One of Johor's top clubs Pika Pika uses this as its base to run regular DUPR games; and I love how close it is to a local foodcourt for a quick chow after games. Also, its location is ideal whether you travel into Johor via the Woodlands or Tuas CIQ. It may not boast the most luxe décor, but the layout is optimal and functional.

As the namesake suggests, this venue is an ode to excellence! The 12 indoor courts are designed to meet world-class standards, offering a top-notch playing experience and easy equipment rental options for both beginners and seasoned pros. ATP Club is a premier pickleball facility and is a great place to hang out with friends while you get your heart rate up. Located deep in the industrial hub of Masai, it is approximately 20-25 minutes drive from the border. There's a booming township just minutes from the venue if you want to break your game into the morning and noon sessions. Dine at some local favourites or rejuvenate via a quick massage!

First of its kind in southern Malaysia, this venue has 9 indoor courts, air-conditioning, a pro shop, and comfy deck chairs. Located at a hypermarket, Pickle Friends has everything you need for a sweaty yet fulfilling pickleball session. Its space in level 2 of Lotus's Plentong has become a favourite for locals and Singaporeans alike due to its accessibility and quality of the courts. The flooring and spacing are great - and the hourly rates are very reasonable for an air-conditioned experience.

Kicks is JB's latest pickleball hotspot, and it could have been the best one yet but for a couple of overlooked items. You will be impressed with its signature red facade and ample private parking spots. As you enter, you will be greeted by its two F&B joints - the TPX Juice & Coffee Bar and Seven Oats Bakehouse. The pickle parlour is decent sized and well stocked; and there is also a lounge area with TV panels. But as I ventured from the air-conditioned enclave into the court area, I could immediately sense this massive heat taking over. If you play during mid-day, be warned it could get a bit uncomfortable and sweaty. Kicks has 6 marvelous VIP courts and 2 tournament grade courts at the rear, drilling machines, paddle rentals and uber modern shower rooms. Spacing, barriers and heights are perfect but I hope the owners can look into improving the cooling systems and audibility.

One of the first courts to pop up in Johor Bahru (JB), D Pickle Zone or fondly called DPZ offers a great pickleball facility in Permas Jaya, about 20 minutes drive from the JB CIQ. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned player, you will have all the resources you need at DPZ -- high quality courts, a well-stocked pro shop, shower facilities and a F&B lounge. The place is clean and spacious and parking is not going to be an issue. There are 18 hard courts of which 4 are outdoors and 14 are indoors, making it the largest in southern Malaysia. I particularly like the blue and grey colour tones of the courts that contrast the colour of the balls. This venue plays host to many tournaments and is a mainstay in JB's pickleball scene.

The venue for the annual Fly Cup tournament, 55 Gatherground is the premier spot for pickleball in Kulai. It is the first and biggest indoor pickleball venue in the district. It has 15 indoor courts, a pro shop, strong community vibes with weekly events suitable for beginners and pros alike. The 45-minute drive from Tuas is worth the trip if bundled with a pitstop at the Johor Premium Outlet (JPO). There are mounted camera/phone docks for you to capture your Ben Johns moments and metal barriers at all courts for uninterrupted play. Scores high on my list for surface, height, ventilation and there's also plenty of free carpark spots.

Located in the factory enclave of Skudai, similar to Pickle Champs, it is accessible for those coming from either the causeway points. It features 3 professional courts designed for all types of players from casual games to competitive training. It has high-quality court flooring, and the Titan Ball Machine for advanced drills. JuzDink has a very generous space for chilling and lounging between the courts and reception; and could have easily added another court or two. The place closes late at 1am and suitable for those who want to unplug from Netflix!

Located just 2 minutes drive from the D Pickleball Zone, the 76 Pickle Hub feels like a backup for overflowing demand from its more illustrious competition. One thing that strikes you as you enter the area is how much land there is for future development. There are 9 indoor courts in total (6 social courts, 1 super VIP and 2 tournament grade courts) all decked in a row. There's a big pro shop catering to Sypik fans and has a welcoming laid back vibe to the facilities. It has the standard shower, changing area, plenty of deck chairs for in between games, storage, F&B, vending machine and drill machines.

If you're looking for a good place to play pickleball in Johor, Hawk Shark is definitely worth checking out. The courts are well-maintained, and the overall atmosphere is fun and welcoming. The 6 indoor courts are of high-quality, spacious, and the blue and green floor colours are ideal. However the venue sadly suffers from poor ball containment so get ready to hear constant shouts of 'ball-in' when you play. Given a choice, its nearby competition at Pickle Friends would be more popular due to its facilities and air-conditioning. Hawk Shark is cosy and more private, if you are into that.

This is the only outdoor in the top 10 list and for a destination like Johor that's spoilt for choice, having an outdoor venue does have its disadvantage due to play uncertainties. The plus point is its nice breezy pickleball courts and its location nearby to downtown JB city. It is shaded on the mornings and late afternoons by the Danga Bay condominium that surrounds it. It's the only venue that can claim to be able to smell sea water, and have a view of its southern neighbour. Not a big fan of the 4 bright yellow courts but considering its location, the YOLO is in prime location for leisurely shopping and dining pre and post play.